How to REALLY be prepared for college

04-10-2017 / By: Ellen Gross

Ah, freshman year. Independence...Freedom...Responsibility (that
last one might take a little practice.) As always, it’s easiest to begin with
the little things - and at the beginning. That part of the process where
forethought, planning and preparation, we later learn, turn out to be decisive.
We begin by shopping for schools. We compiled a list that makes sense (reach,
realistic and safety schools). Before we knew it, time and applications and AP
exams had passed; Jake had gotten into a school that he loved and that we were
pretty sure we could afford (and that wasn’t too far from home). All of a
sudden, we were at the beginning of that dreaded final step: packing.

Let’s be honest, teenaged boys don’t always make the best choices
about hygiene or its products, but luckily, we know a place where we can find everything we want and he needs, whether we
choose from one of their already assembled kits or create one of our own, customized for Jake’s own
needs and proclivities.

We wanted to make sure Jake got off to a great start so we began
our planning by building a kit for him. We selected a black bag with a generous
handle to keep his dopp kit nice and tidy. It was very durable (in fact, we
still use it today). First impressions are often lasting impressions and
therefore quite important. We picked out the Herbal Essences shampoo and
matching Hello Hydration formula conditioner because a freshman boy needs to
smell great, and it’s a brand we all trust. You should’ve seen how his hair
shone when we dropped him off for the beginning of what would become the
adventure of his young life.

We went with Crest 3D whitening toothpaste; it is Jake’s favorite
after all...and pairs perfectly with the Scope with Crest Mouthwash. It tastes
great, is very refreshing, and was just the right size for him, and, let’s face
it, if he is going to be at the occasional college party, we hope his breath is
fresh! To ensure that winning smile was in good hands for his social events, we
chose a soft bristle Colgate Toothbrush. But what is a great smile without a
smooth and handsome face to frame it? Gillette Mach 3 Razors combined with
Barbasol Shave cream was perfect. If we had not done everything in our power to
make Jake as dashing and adorable as possible, we certainly gave it the old
college try.

With the drop off on campus came the inevitable tears…even Jake
didn’t escape with dry eyes. We grabbed some tissues we were now especially
glad we had thought to include in his kit. It turned out the comb came in
handy too, to tidy up after all the hugs and promises to call every day and
text after every class. We know…maybe we should give him more space, but he
still feels like our little boy. On our way back home, we stopped off in a hotel,
and I was so lucky that I had purchased a few individual items twice (ones for
Jake and for me!), so I could unwind with my Olay Body Wash and put my face
back in order with the Vanity Pack. That next morning, the drive home was easy
because we knew that Jake (maybe we should be calling him Jacob now…) was at a
great school and that he had a dopp kit to keep him in good graces
with his peers as well as his professors. Until we sent him a care package to
replace all his necessities, that is!